Saturday, December 31, 2016

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chay Genoway scored once as Team Canada defeated HC Lugano 5-2 to win the Spengler Cup.

Genoway is currently playing in his first season with the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) Jokerit ice hockey team. Jokerit (English: Jokers or Jesters) is a professional ice hockey team based in Helsinki, Finland. Jokerit are members of the Bobrov Division of the Western Conference of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

After four years at the University of North Dakota, Genoway spent the next three seasons with the American Hockey League (AHL) Houston Areos and Hershey Bears. The Minnesota Wild signed Genoway to an entry-level contract on April, 12th 2011. Genoway made his NHL debut with the Minnesota Wild on April, 7th 2012 collecting 1 assist and being named 2nd star vs the Pheonix Coyotes. Genoway spent parts of two seasons with the Wild farm club in Houston before the Wild traded Genoway to the Washington Capitals on March 14th 2013. Genoway never played a single game with the Capitals, played a half season with the Caps farm club in Hershey. This will be Genoway's third season in the KHL after playing the past two years with the KHL Dynamo Riga (a professional ice hockey team based in Riga, Latvia) & HC Spartak Moscow (a professional ice hockey team based in Moscow, Russia).

Genoway played one season in Vernon (2005-2006). In 56 regular season games with the Vipers Genoway collected (17-goals-32-assists-49-points).

I have had season tickets for the past 27 years and been following Junior hockey in Vernon for well over thirty years. Ive missed only three home games since 1998-99 season. For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Silverbacks game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 1-0 in front of 1,103 at the Shaw Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor

Salmon Arm: Trevin Kozlowski

1st Period: The Silverbacks come out with lots of jump, took it to the Vipers early. Salmon Arm carried the play off the opening faceoff, had some good early pressure before the Vipers would dump the puck in from centre, the puck took a funny bounce off the end boards, coming back out front of the goal to a wide open Jimmy Lambert who patiently outwaited Trevin Kozlowski before going high giving Vernon the 1-0 lead at 2:09 on the Vipers first shot of the game. Steven Jandric & Brett Stapley with the assists. Shortly after Austin Adamson really turned on the jets, blew by one Silverbacks defender before going in for the parcial breakaway couldn't beat Trevin Kozlowski in tight. Shortly after Vernon would get the games first powerplay (four minutes) Moving the puck around and around the Vipers managed a few good looks but no real threat with the man advantage were unable to capitalize as the Silverbacks with a good penalty kill. Just seconds after the powerplay expired, Vernon would go right back to the powerplay but this time struggle getting no real pressure as SA would kill off the minor. Two big penalty kills for SA. Shortly after Carson Bolduc tried setting up captain Mitch Skapski on an odd man rush, but Skapski couldn't connect on the pass on a missed opportunity. In the second half it was mostly the Vipers who carried the better of the play. Vernon with several good shifts, had some good pressure but didn't get a lot of grade a scoring chances. The Backs would eventually get their first look with the man advantage. Salmon Arm come very close to tying the game after a shot from in close beat Ty Taylor before rolling through the crease when Sol Seibel was quick to clear the puck from the blue paint as Vernon got lucky. Late in the penalty kill Niko Karamanis tried setting up Hunter Zandee who couldn't beat Trevin Kozlowski down low as Vernon was able to kill off the remainder of the minor. Late in the period Jimmy Lambert went in alone for the breakaway but was hooked on the play, still managed to get a shot off but was denied by Trevin Kozlowski. This sending Vernon to a late powerplay. The Backs would lose Carson Bolduc on the play who picked up a ten minute misconduct on the play. The Vipers struggled with the man advantage, couldn't get any real offensive attack going as the Silverbacks were able to kill off the minor. The Vipers would get a late penalty that would carry into the 2nd frame. It was 1-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Silverbacks got off to a good start, had good pressure in the opening few minutes before giving up the games lone goal and then got into penalty trouble. The Vipers would hold off the Backs early pressure would open the scoring before having trouble with the powerplay. Vernon with a handful of powerplays could have easily put this game away couldn't get much going with the man advantage. The Vipers carried the better of the play five on and five and had more edge in play in the second half of the opening frame. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 15-9.

2nd Period: The Vipers started the middle frame on the man advantage that was carried over from the 1st period. Vernon would get back to back penalties to start the 2nd once again unable to capitalize. The Vipers were able to generate some good looks down low and in close but unable to beat Silverbacks starting goaltender Trevin Kozlowski. Just as the penalty expired Christian Cakebread with two wacks at the loose puck at the side of the net, couldn't beat Kozlowski down low. Vernon with all the momentum kept up the pace five on five and took it to Salmon Arm. The Vipers with a lot of zone time in the first half, carried the better of the play. Vernon was outshooting the Backs 9-0 early in shots as it was all Vernon before SA would get a shot with the powerplay just before the halfway mark. The Silverbacks with lots of pressure, moved the puck around quickly, had several good looks before Mitch Skapski, Josh Blanchard and Carson Bolduc both were stopped by Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor. Taylor was down and out was forced to somehow make several back to back stops down low as the Vipers got some solid goaltending before Carter Cochrane looked to tie the game but somehow missed the open cage, went up and over the goal missing on a great opportunity as Vernon excaped and was able to kill off the minor. Both teams didn't see much five on five action with a parade of penalties to the penalty box, either really slowed down the game/or had both coaches juggling lines most of the night. Salmon Arm would head back to the penalty box and this time looked to tie the game after a quick release-shot from the circle beat Ty Taylor went off the far post before coming back hitting Taylor on his backside before covering up the puck. The fans and the goal judge all thought the puck went in but with the referee in full view/standing at the side of the goal on the play, the referee waived the goal-shot off as the Vipers dodged another bullet. Vernon would once again feel the pressure but kill off another penalty. The Vipers then got into penalty trouble after Luke Gingras would get tossed from the game after a check to the head on Carson Bolduc. Gingras looked to slam Bolduc's head into the corner glass before dropping to the ice. A small scrum informed after with Bolduc lying on the ice in pain. Bolduc was checked out by the trainer and was slow leaving the ice, went to the Salmon Arm dressing room didn't return. Gingras was given five minutes for a check to the head. With the Backs on the lengthy five minute major Shane Kelly would take an undisciplined minor before saying something to the referee, picking up another two minutes for unsportsmanlike giving the Silverbacks nine minutes in a very lengthy powerplay. SA would have trouble starting out, looked very disorganized having all kinds of trouble entering the offensive zone, as Vernon was able to jump on the Backs powerplay unit and kill off several minutes. Salmon Arm would finally get organized and get the powerplay ticking late but would run out of time before the buzzer. A wild and penalty filled period with very little five on five play. The Vipers with back to back powerplays to start the period, unable to really put a gap on the scoreboard couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. Vernon carried a lot of the play-had the better of the play for most of the first half, didn't get a lot of grade a chances still managed some good looks. The Vipers then got into penalty trouble in the second half as it seemed like Salmon Arm played most of the second half on the powerplay. The Backs with a good looking PP had several quality chances, either couldn't solve Ty Taylor or didn't get the bounces unable to tie the game or for that matter take the lead. How big was the Viper penalty kill on the lengthy five on three late in the period. It was 1-0 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 12-10.

3rd Period: The Silverbacks started the final frame still on the PP that was carried over from the 2nd period. Vernon with a huge penalty kill would kill off the five minute major before killing off the remainder of Shane Kelly's four minute penalty. The Vipers with the unthinkable were very lucky to still be leading this game after all the penalties. Shortly after killing off both penalties to start the period, the Vipers would jump on a powerplay of their own. Salmon Arm with a very good kill would kill off the minor. The Backs would then head to the man advantage just as their penalty expired. Salmon Arm with a great chance in front beat Ty Taylor with the puck just sitting in the blue paint, the Vipers were able to get to the loose puck first, and clear the crease from harms way. Vernon would kill off the penalty. Just as the penalty expired the Vipers lead the attack with a three on two rush, setting up Ryan Brushett in the slot. Brushett tried going high couldn't solve Trevin Kozlowski who made some key saves this period. Shortly after Hunter Zandee broke free, went in for the breakaway went high and over the goal, missing on a great opportunity to grab a 2-0 lead. Vernon would get two more opportunities with the man advantage but two big kills for the Silverbacks as specialty teams was a difference tonight. The Vipers carried the better of the play and had the better chances for most of the frame. Salmon Arm stepped up their play in the final four/five minutes and starting coming on, looking for the equalizer. SA with lots of good pressure down the stretch drive, were really driving the puck to the net. The Vipers now having to step up defensively, relied on Ty Taylor who made some big saves late in the contest. Vernon went the final four and a half minutes with just one shot. It was all Backs late as Salmon Arm was pressing. The Vipers would finally clear the zone before putting on a strong forecheck, hemming the puck in the SA zone killing valuable time off the clock. With 1:19 remaining the Silverbacks would get a late powerplay. With Trevin Kozlowski on the bench for the extra attacker and the Backs pressing, forced a huge goal mouth scramble as Ty Taylor down and out, couldn't find the loose puck, with bodies surrounding the Viper goal-crease, and no whistle the play continued. The Viper defenders were doing a great job at keeping the Silverbacks to the outside, as Salmon Arm was having troubles getting pucks through. Once again Ty Taylor had to be large, made some huge saves inside the final minute. A second goal mouth scramble in front of Ty Taylor and the Vernon goal in the dying seconds before the play was blown dead as the net was dislodged. The Silverbacks were awarded a penalty shot with just nine seconds remaining. (Hockey Canada rules state that if a team knocks their net off inside the final two minutes of a hockey game, a penalty shot is automatically rewarded. Elijiah Barriga was on the ice on the play, took the penalty shot. Barriga tried going five hole was denied by Ty Taylor who come up with his biggest save of the night, as the Viper bench erupted. With a faceoff still inside the Viper zone with nine seconds remaining, the Backs would win the draw, get the puck back to the point before Jesse Lansdell come up with a huge shot block before two other Vipers dove across the ice to swat at the puck before the final buzzer, as Vernon would hang on for the 1-0 victory to take both games of the home & home series. The Vipers had some real quality chances early and through out the first half of the 3rd to grab that two goal lead but couldn't capitalize on their chances. Trevin Kozlowski also come up with some big saves for the Silverbacks. I thought Vernon played very well for most of the 3rd carried a lot of the play. Salmon Arm come on strong in the final four-five minutes really pressed hard, had some very good looks-opportunities, come very close to tying the game on several goal mouth scrambles late in the period. Ty Taylor was forced to be strong, making some big saves late. None bigger then stopping Elijiah Barriga on the penalty shot with nine seconds remaining. Both teams were very good on the penalty kill. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 11-10.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Michael Ufberg Was once again very strong on the blueline, makes things look very easy. Made some big defensive plays in the game, really sees-reads the ice. Looks very calm-confident.

Sol Seibel played a heck of a game on the Viper defence. The rookie defenceman was solid through out the night, coming up with several blocked shots-making some big defensive plays. This kid looked a little shaky at times very early at the start of the season, has really come along ways and playing with a ton more confidence, getting more ice time, getting better-improving as the season goes on.

Austin Adamson I thought played very well tonight, was carrying the play a lot, very strong with and without the puck, made several smart plays through out the game, was stopped on a 1st period parcial breakaway, had some chances.

Jagger Williamson Played very well, was huge on the penalty kill, down low and along the boards, made some smart plays to clear the zone, was skating hard all night.

Jesse Lansdell Played very well for a second straight night. Blocked a hard shot from the point in the dying seconds, is another Viper that has got his game going and playing with confidence.

Jimmy Lambert (1 goal) Scored the only goal of the game, after patiently outwaiting Trevin Kozlowski before hitting the open cage. Played with a lot of jump-was really skating, played hard all night. Went hard into the goal, taking out the net on a two on one rush, stayed in the game.

Ty Taylor (29 saves-Shutout) Sporting his new pads-goalie equipment, picked up his first career BCHL shutout in a game where he was solid from start to finish. Taylor who was recently named to the CJHL Prospects game, looked very confident between the pipes tonight. Didn't give up any second opportunities, made the big saves when needed and was huge on the penalty kill. His biggest save of the night was stopping Silverbacks leading scorer Elijiah Barriga on the penalty shot with nine seconds remaining.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

For a second straight night, I thought Vernon played very well. How big was Jimmy Lambert's goal just 2:09 into the opening period? Who would have guessed that? I thought the Vipers were the better team five on five and were very good on the penalty kill, struggled with the man advantage. How big was killing off the lengthy five on three late in the 2nd period? This to me was the TSN turning point. Yes Vernon gave up some opportunities on the penalty kill, but Ty Taylor come up with some large saves. Salmon Arm could have easily potted two or three goals and changed the momentum and took full control of the game in a matter of minutes. I thought the Vipers first powerplay, had some decent looks but for the most part killed a lot of their own powerplays but passing the puck around, with very few shots. The Vipers move the puck around but very slow, allowing the opponents to get in position-setup. Vernon could have took full control of the hockey game if they connected on some of their 1st period powerplays. The Vipers went 0-5 with the man advantage in that opening frame. This game was filled with penalties, as most of the game was played on the powerplay. The 2nd period was a constant parade to the penalty box. Specialty teams was a difference as both coaches were juggling lines. I thought the Vipers were really skating hard tonight, moving the puck well, created/generated their fare share of opportunities couldn't solve Trevin Kozlowski or bury their chances. The Vipers are now unbeaten in seven games and playing their best hockey of the season. This is a character win that could go a long way for this team. All four lines are playing well, contributing, this team is playing with a lot of confidence right now and look to be a very tight knit group. Mark Ferner has done a great job recruiting this season, putting together a very well liked and exciting brand of Viper hockey. Since going to the Royal Bank Cup in 2010 Viper fans haven't had much to get excited about having some pretty dismal teams. Last season was very hard to watch. So far this season has been great, the kids on the ice have made this years Vipers fun to watch and exciting game in and game out. This years team works hard, competes and plays for each other and their coaches. This was by far the most exciting-entertaining Vipers game of the season and one of the best Viper games Ive seen in a while. This was one of the wildest and weirdest games Ive also seen in some time. Seeing a penalty shot with nine seconds remaining in a 1-0 game is a first for me. Captain Riley Brandt was seen in attendance walking around with a cast on his hand-arm. A heard from several people he broke his thumb and had surgery this morning. I also heard from several people that Nicholas Rasovic has left the team and gone home. This now leaves the Vipers with an open roster spot to add another twenty year old.

Top Player's: (Salmon Arm)

Mitch Skapski Played very well in the loss Friday in Vernon, had another strong night in the loss tonight. The Backs captain was really skating, played with a lot of jump-energy.

Josh Latta Played well in spurts. At times he looked very good-strong on the penalty kill. Very crafty, was involved in the play at times.

Carter Cochrane Had a glorious opportunity in the 2nd period on the man advantage, somehow missed a wide open cage. I thought was one of the more stand out Silverbacks tonight. Was very good with and without the puck, getting pucks to the net, really sees the ice well, moves the puck in a hurry, played well at both ends of the rink.

Trevin Kozlowski (38 saves) Shutout the Vipers 1-0 in a pre-season game back in late August fell 1-0 tonight. Kozlowski was sharp all night, making several big stops for the Backs. Dosnt give up many rebounds-second opportunities, was out to challenge on several Viper shots, looked calm-confident, really played his position well. Was hard to beat.

Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)

I thought the Silverbacks responded and played very well this evening. Yes five on five I thought the Vipers were the better of the two teams but both teams had a ton of chances on the powerplay, to change the outcome in the game and couldn't. Salmon Arm had the much better looking powerplay, had some grade a quality chances, couldn't solve Ty Taylor-couldn't get a bounce. I really liked the Silverbacks powerplay, they move the puck in a hurry, get quick shots off, don't waist a lot of time passing the puck around. The Silverbacks really needed to capitalize on the lengthy five on three. This was the turning point. If the Backs score three times even twice, this changes the momentum and outcome of the game. Both teams could have easily changed the outlook of the game if they capitalized on a few powerplays. Both teams took a few undisciplined penalties. This game was full of penalties, most of the game was played on the powerplay. The Silverbacks couldn't buy a goal-couldn't catch a break all night. Had two loose pucks in the crease-before the puck was cleared from the blue paint, missed a wide open cage on a 2nd period powerplay, looked to tie the game on the man advantage after hitting the far post before the Viper goaltender covered the puck. SA just didn't have a lot of puck luck in and around the goal. Look at the few goal mouth scrambles inside the final minute. Salmon Arm had some very good quality chances tonight, just couldn't find the back of the net. This could have easily been anyone's game. A large crowd on hand for tonight's game, one of the bigger crowds Ive seen in Salmon Arm in recent years. Great to see! The Silverbacks are now 0-5-1 vs the Vipers this year will travel to Vernon January 13th for the final regular season meeting vs the Vipers.

The 19-13-3-2 Vernon Vipers make their third and final regular season visit to the Shaw Centre are coming off a 4-2 victory over the visiting Salmon Arm Silverbacks last night. Tonight is the second game of a home & home series vs Salmon Arm. The last time the Vipers were in Salmon Arm, the two teams ended in a 4-4 tie December 9th. These two teams will meet for a final time January 13th in Vernon. The Vipers are 4-0-0-1 vs the Silverbacks this year, begin a three game road trip. The Vipers are unbeaten in their last three road games, have atleast a point in five of their last six games away from home. Coming into tonight Vernon is unbeaten in their last six games, have atleast a point in nine of their last eleven games. Vernon sits 2nd in the Division are ten points up on Salmon Arm. The Vipers are seven points up on Trail, six points up on West Kelowna but fourteen points back of Division leading Penticton.

The 15-19-2-1 Salmon Arm Silverbacks are coming off a 4-2 loss in Vernon Thursday. The Silverbacks come into tonight having lost four of their last six and have five wins in their last ten games. Salmon Arm has atleast a point in six of their last eight games. The Backs have lost three of their last five home games. Salmon Arm sits last in the Interior Division are tied in points with Merritt are three points back of Trail, four points back of 3rd place West Kelowna & ten points back of Vernon.Salmon Arm Silverbacks Roster:

Vernon Vipers rookie goalie Ty Taylor will play in the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s Prospects Game Jan. 25 at Ed Lumley Arena in Cornwall, Ont.

NHL Central Scouting announced Tuesday the rosters for the upcoming classic featuring the top-40 CJHL prospects heading into the 2017 NHL Draft in Chicago.

“We congratulate each of the players on their selection to compete in the 2017 CJHL Prospects Game in Cornwall and commend NHL Central Scouting for their contributions in helping formalize the Team East and Team West rosters,” said CJHL President Brent Ladds.

“We are confident this group of young men will provide all those in attendance, including the multitude of scouts and Junior A hockey fans alike, a tremendous showcase of CJHL talent from right across the country.”

Taylor, a towering 17-year-old out of Richmond, is 9-7 with a 3,19 GAA and .899 save percentage with the Vipers. He compiled a 1.46 GAA and. 946 save percentage with the Delta Hockey Academy Midget Prep team last year.

Taylor and the Vipers host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Thursday night at Kal Tire Place. The Vipers returned to practice Tuesday after an 11-day holiday break. They also hold a workout Wednesday at 1:45 p.m.

The two Prospects Game rosters were headed up by Central Scouting director, Dan Marr.

“The CJHL Prospects Game is a tremendous opportunity for these players to showcase their ability and represent their teams, leagues and communities on a national stage,” said Marr.

Also representing Team West from the BCHL are: defencemen Griffin Mendel of the Penticton Vees and Cory Babichuk of the Surrey Eagles, forwards Parm Dhaliwal of the West Kelowna Warriors, Kale Howarth of the Trail Smoke Eaters, Marcus Mitchell of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, Michael Regush of the Merritt Centennials, Jamie Rome of the Victoria Grizzlies and Tyler Ward of the Cents.

The President’s Cup is awarded to the winning team in the CJHL Prospects Game.

From 2005 until 2008, the event ran as a single game, but starting in 2009 the President’s Cup was played as a two-game series where the combined score of the games determined the winner of the title.

The contest has now gone back to a single-game format along with on-ice player testing having been introduced.

Since its inception, Team West has won six times while Team East has won five.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

I have had season tickets for the past 27 years and been following Junior hockey in Vernon for well over thirty years. Ive missed only three home games since 1998-99 season. For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Silverbacks game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 4-2 in front of 2,303 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Darion Hanson

Salmon Arm: Nic Tallarico

1st Period: Just over twenty seconds into the opening frame former Salmon Arm Silverbacks defenceman Cameron Trott with a low shot from the point was redirected in front forcing Nic Tallarico to make a tough pad save in the opening minute. Just over a minute later Silverbacks captain Mitch Skapski alone in the slot somehow missing the net on a missed opportunity. On the play the Backs would get the games first powerplay just 1:29 into the contest. SA with a few good looks couldn't convert with the man advantage as Vernon was able to kill off the minor. Salmon Arm had the early jump on the Vipers who didn't have the same pace as the Backs carried the better of the play early and often. The Silverbacks with a strong forecheck, were hard on the puck, using their speed and quickness to generate some early zone time. The Vipers having troubles getting any kind of attack/zone time couldn't seem to generate any consistency early. Salmon Arm was outshooting Vernon 7-3 at one point. Just before the midway mark Carson Bolduc on an odd man rush beat Darion Hanson fivehole in close as the puck rolled out the other end, went just wide of the open cage before Elijiah Barriga scooped up the rebound couldn't beat Hanson on the second opportunity at the side of the goal. The Backs with two back to back quality chances. Just past the halfway mark Niko Karamanis with a quick low shot from the circle forced Nic Tallarico to make a quick reaction save, keeping this game scoreless. Two and a half minutes later Jagger Williamson with a breakaway couldn't solve Tallarico. On the following play-shift Michael Ufberg's point shot was redirected on its way to the net, forcing Tallarico into making another difficult save as Vernon applying loads of pressure were coming on in the second half. On the following play-shift the Vipers would get their first look with the powerplay. Vernon with a flurry of opportunities on the man advantage couldn't find the back of the net as Salmon Arm with some strong goaltending was able to kill off the penalty. In the final minutes captain Riley Brandt with a quick snap shot from the high slot was denied by Nic Tallarico who played well in the first twenty minutes. Inside the final minute Cameron Trott setup Jimmy Lambert in front who beat Nic Tallarico giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 19:27 Trott & Michael Ufberg collected the assists. In the dying seconds Connor Clouston got tangled up with Jared Turcotte as the two were sent to the box. Vernon was up 1-0 after 20 minutes of play. Both teams had good chances off the opening puck drop before the Silverbacks carried the play-pace, were the better of the two teams in the first half. The Backs really used their speed and strong forecheck to dominate along the boards and in front of the net. Marcus Mitchell was throwing his weight around, laying the body as well as running a few Vipers through out the 1st period. Mitchell was running around like a loose cannon on a few shifts, trying to stir things up. SA didn't generate a lot of quality chances before the Vipers stepped up their game and got rolling in the second half. Vernon with several quality opportunities couldn't solve Nic Tallarico who was solid between the pipes. The Snakes were the better team in the final ten minutes, looked good moving the puck-generating chances. The Vipers would score late inside the final minute to open the scoring-take the lead heading into the 2nd period. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 21-11.

2nd Period: The Silverbacks with a strong start to the middle frame, showed lots of jump early. Justin Wilson early into the period, with a quick shot from the top of the circle forced Vipers starting goaltender Darion Hanson into making a tough save. A few plays-shifts later Luke Gingras alone in the slot forced Silverbacks starting goaltender Nic Tallarico into making a blocker save with the corner labelled. Shortly after the Silverbacks would get an early powerplay, their second of the night. But the powerplay was short lived as Salmon Arm would take a minor of their own, sending both teams to four on four. While four on four Elijiah Barriga was able to walk into the Vernon zone untouched, before beating Darion Hanson in close tying the game 1-1 at 5:36 Carson Bolduc with the helper. About three and a half minutes later the Vipers would get their second powerplay of the evening. While shorthanded Haydn Hopkins gave Darion Hanson a good slash on the back of the pads sending him to the box for two, giving Vernon a lengthy two man advantage. Hanson was slow getting up as he crawled back to his crease, shaking it off, stayed in the game. On the five on three Chris Jandric with a quick setup spotted Christian Cakebread who beat Nic Tallarico giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 10:09 Jandric & Ryan Brushett picked up the assists. Still on the man advantage the Vipers moved the puck around, generated some good looks from in close couldn't capitalize on the second minor as Salmon Arm killed off the penalty. Just as the penalty expired Mitch Skapski and Haydn Hopkins went in alone for the odd man rush, Skapski setup Hopkins who beat Darion Hanson hit the crossbar before crashing into the net. The Silverbacks would come out on the play with the man advantage. Hanson was forced to make two or three big saves while the Vipers were able to kill off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, Vernon gained the zone were able to move the puck around before Brett Stapley setup former Chilliwack Chief Jesse Lansdell in front who beat Nic Tallarico giving Vernon a 3-1 lead at 13:49 Stapley and Austin Adamson collected the helpers. Josh Blanchard was spotted down in the tunnel undressed looked to be adjusting some equipment, shortly returned to the bench. The Vipers kept coming, Luke Gingras went inside out on a dangle going to the goal before setting up Hunter Zandee going to the net couldn't tap the puck home on a highlight reel play as the Vipers come close to taking a three goal lead. A few plays-shifts later Jagger Williamson carried the play in over the blueline before ripping a wicked shot that beat Nic Tallarico giving Vernon a 4-1 lead at 17:03 Hunter Zandee with the assist. The Vipers took over the edge in play in the second half and never looked back. Vernon would jump on the powerplay on the following shift. The Vipers with some good looks couldn't capitalize as Salmon Arm killed off the penalty. Just as the penalty expired Connor Clouston stepped into Elijiah Barriga levelling the Silverbacks forward in the neutral zone, as the Salmon Arm bench was screaming for a penalty. A Silverback defender looked to try and chase down Clouston. Clouston tried challenging the Salmon Arm player before both players skated away. At the buzzer tempers heated up as emptions boiled over as some pushing and shoving at centre ice before both teams had to be separated. Former Vipers defenceman Carter Stephenson was given an unsportsmanlike penalty at the buzzer while two Silverbacks were talking to the officials at the end of the period. It was 4-1 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. SA with a good start, showed lots of jump early. The Backs would tie the game just over five minutes into the middle frame, looked to be rolling before getting into a little penalty trouble. After getting an early powerplay to start the frame, the Backs took five of the next six penalties. For a second straight period Vernon got off to a bit of a slow start, but stepped up their game just before the halfway mark, scoring two goals in less then four minutes and three goals in less then seven minutes apart to pull away. The Vipers with some good chances once again forced Nic Tallarico into making some key saves. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 13-11.

3rd Period: Vernon started the final frame on the man advantage (Silverbacks penalty at the end of the 2nd period). But the Vipers couldn't take advantage of the powerplay as the Backs with a huge penalty kill early to start the 3rd. 1:04 after killing off the minor Elijiah Barriga looked to check Viper captain Riley Brandt from behind just short of the Silverbacks bench along the blueline. Brandt went hard into the boards, looked to have injured-hurt his knee was laying on the ice before Hunter Zandee come flying in as a melay of players jumped in after Barriga. Lots of pushing and shoving before the scrum was broken up. Vernon would come away with the powerplay. Brandt would get checked out by the team trainer on the ice in a short delay. Brandt was able to slowly skate off on his own power, went to the dressing room before returning to the Viper bench. Brandt sat on the bench for several minutes before getting a shift, a quick shift at that before be attended to by the trainer-making his way back to the dressing room before returning to the bench for a second time. This time Brandt would see a regular shift and finish the game. In the meantime the Vipers would once again not be able to put this game away with a second of back to back powerplays. The Silverbacks would once again kill off an early penalty. Two huge back to back penalty kills by SA. Shortly after killing off the minor the Vipers looking a little flat, allowed Carter Cochrane to walk right in, before sliding the puck just through Darion Hanson as the puck slowly crossed the goal line, cutting the Vernon lead to 4-2 at 6:47 Marcus Mitchell & Carter Stephenson picked up the assists. Off the following faceoff the Backs come right back into the Viper zone setup captain Mitch Skapski at the side of the goal, who fired up and over a yawning cage, somehow missing the wide open net on a missed opportunity. Skapski looked skywards, shaking his head as Vernon got very lucky as Salmon Arm was very close to making this a one goal game. Just over a minute later the Backs would jump on the powerplay. Carson Bolduc with a wicked shot from the high slot beat Darion Hanson but went off the crossbar as Salmon Arm was within inchaes of getting to within a goal. This was the second crossbar of the night for the Silverbacks. SA with lots of good pressure, had some good looks, couldn't capitalize as Vernon killed off the minor. Just seconds before killing off the penalty, the Vipers would take another minor sending the Silverbacks back to the PP. Darion Hanson had to be sharp, was forced into making several key saves as the Viper penalty kill was very good. Vernon with two pretty huge penalty kills, keeping this a 4-2 game. The Vipers then were able to do a great job at killing off several minutes off the clock, with several key shifts late in the period. Vernon went atleast seven to eight minutes without a shot, before finally getting a shot on goal in the final few minutes as it was all Salmon Arm this period. With about a minute and a half remaining the Backs would get Nic Tallarico to the bench for the extra attacker, but former West Kelowna Warrior Hunter Zandee come up with a huge block while the Vipers did a great job at keeping the Silverbacks to the outside, took more key time off the clock. The Vipers didn't even come close to getting a good look at the open goal, were able to hold off the Salmon Arm attack in the final minute. Some pushing and shoving at the buzzer, before Connor Clouston hit Elijiah Barriga from behind while in the middle of the scrum. Tempers looked to heat up a bit as both teams made their way off the ice. Vernon would hang on for the 4-2 victory. The Vipers with back to back powerplays to start the frame, couldn't put this game away. Vernon had a few good looks but couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. This allowing the Backs to hang around, would score early to get within two goals, poured on the pressure to finish the game. Salmon Arm with a ton of pressure, hit the crossbar and missed an open cage didn't get a lot of pucks to the goal or when they did were denied by Darion Hanson. It was all Silverbacks in the final twenty minutes outplayed the Vipers. Vernon either was sitting on the three goal lead or were just simply outplayed in the 3rd. Give the Vipers some credit for limiting the Backs shots-opportunities, played fairly well defensively. The Vipers didn't generate any real pressure-or quality chances, saw a lot of the action in their own end.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Hunter Zandee (1 assist) I thought stepped up his game tonight, was throwing his weight around, laying the body through out the game. Played with a bit of a mean streak in him tonight.

Jesse Lansdell (1 goal) I thought played well through out the game, has really improved as the season has gone on. Here's a kid I didn't think showed much after coming over in a trade with Chilliwack earlier in the season, took a while to get his game going-show the fans what kind of a player he really is. But I think has played very well-stood out in a few games and really come into his own the past month or so. Played hard-was going to the net, scored a big goal in the 2nd to give Vernon a 3-1 lead.

Jimmy Lambert (1 goal) Now has eight goals vs Salmon Arm this year, I thought played very well through out the contest. Didn't generate a lot of opportunities but made some smart plays with and without the puck. Jumped back on the point a few times when the d-man jumped into the play-rush.

Luke Gingras I also thought looked good-played very well in the win. Had some good looks-opportunities, was skating hard, moving the puck well, created/generated some offensive chances, did a lot of good things tonight.

Connor Clouston I thought played that shutdown role on the backend. Played physical, laid out two of the biggest checks of the night, didn't back down from the physical play. Was also very dependant defensively and in his own end.

Chris Jandric (1 assist) Was another d-man who played very well. Has really impressed me this season as a rookie. Plays a regular shift, looks like a veteran defenceman out there.

Darion Hanson (29 saves) Improves to 2-0 vs Salmon Arm this season. Played very well between the pipes. Was very solid on the penalty kill, got a little lucky having been beat twice but caught a break from the crossbar twice and stayed focused through out the game even when it looked like the Vipers were going to run away with tonight's game. Really sees-reads the play well, stays calm, is very confident, dosnt give up many if any second opportunities.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

Overall I thought the Vipers played very well through out the game. I don't think there powerplay was clicking as much as the coaches would like but looked very good on the penalty kill. Speciality teams was a difference. The Vipers looked to move the puck around more often then shooting it tonight and looked to be bunched up-in too close on the man advantage. The d-men were up much closer then normal and had troubles getting off that quick one-timer from the point. Vernon didn't get off to a great start in all three periods. In periods 1 & 2 the Vipers were a bit off, needed some time before getting rolling. But in both the 1st and 2nd periods the Vipers seemed to step up their play-get their game going in the second half. Opening the scoring late in the 1st was key before scoring three times in the 2nd to pull away heading into the 3rd. Vernon could have easily put this game away with back to back powerplays to start the 3rd but couldn't capitalize. The Vipers may have got a little lucky as Salmon Arm got within two but couldn't get within a goal-or even tie the game. Did the Vipers take their foot off the gas in the 3rd or did the Silverbacks outplay Vernon for the final twenty minutes? The Vipers may have dodged a bullet did get some great penalty killing in the final frame and some good defensive play-goaltending down the stretch. The Vipers are now unbeaten in six games and have atleast a point in nine of their last eleven games. The Vipers have won six straight at home and seven of their last eight home games. Kal Tire Place is becoming a hard rink for visiting teams to pick up a win in compared to last season where the Vipers struggled on home ice. Vernon improves to 4-0-0-1 vs the Silverbacks this season, travel to Salmon Arm tomorrow for the final game of a home & home series. Former Viper captains Colton McCarthy & Lennie Rampone were both in attendance tonight.

Top Player's: (Salmon Arm)

Mitch Skapski I thought was one of the Silverbacks dominate players this evening. The Backs captain had a strong game in the loss, playing hard at both ends of the rink. Really using his speed-quickness was going to the net-generating-creating opportunities through out the game. Had several good looks-chances, missed an open cage in the 3rd. Was very dangerous with and without the puck, was hard to contain through out the night.

Justin Wilson I thought played well for most of the night. Had atleast two good chances, was involved in the play.

Carson Bolduc (1 assist) Hit the crossbar in the 3rd, had a few quality opportunities, played well in the loss. A big body, goes to the net often, is hard to knock off the puck, is a work horse. Good skater-good hands.

Elijiah Barriga (1 goal) Was one of if not the Silverbacks best player. Always played well vs the Vipers, took two big checks tonight, kept battling all night. Another veteran player that's dangerous with and without the puck, hard to contain, hard to defend against, comes at you in a hurry, makes those quick decisions in a hurry, a force down low, had some good looks-chances through out the night.

Marcus Mitchell (1 assist) Played physical, was laying the body all night, running around looking at getting under the skin of several Vipers, played-battled hard in the loss. A big body, that also has some upside offensively.

Nic Tallarico (37 saves) Has yet to beat Vernon this season played very well in goal for Salmon Arm. One of the leagues smaller goaltenders, battles between the pipes, is quick on his feet, always moving-diving around to find-track pucks, made some big saves through out the game. Made some of his biggest saves in the second half of the 1st and 2nd periods.

Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)

The Silverbacks were ready to go tonight, had troubles sustaining pressure-playing with consistency for a full sixty minutes. Salmon Arm looked good in the first half of the opening frame, couldn't continue that into the second half and the same went in the 2nd period. The Backs got into some penalty trouble in that 2nd period took five of the next six penalties, before falling behind 4-1 going into the 3rd. In the third it was all Salmon Arm who were limited to opportunities and shots, only managed nine shots in the frame. The Backs did hit the crossbar and miss an open cage in that 3rd need more then nine shots in the final twenty minutes down three goals if you want to try and come back for the win. Give the Silverbacks credit, they didn't fold the tents and battled hard through out the game. A few undisciplined penalties in the 2nd and not getting a bounce, this may have been a different outcome. The Silverbacks need to play a full sixty minutes-be more consistent. Instead Salmon Arm has lost four of their last six road games, have yet to win in Vernon this year. Salmon Arm's last win in Vernon was a 5-2 victory December 9th 2015. SA has now lost four of their last six games but have atleast a point in six of their last eight games. These two teams will meet again tomorrow in Salmon Arm. Penticton Vees Head Coach-GM-President Fred Harbinson and his crew were in attendance tonight.

MacDonald is in his second season with the Cowichan Capitals, started the 2014-15 season with the Vipers played in just five games before being traded to the Victoria Grizzlies October 8th 2014 along with Jake Emilio for Brandon Egli, Mitch Meek & future considerations. MacDonald was recruited by the Vipers went pointless in 5 games. After one season in Victoria the Grizzlies traded MacDonald to Cowichan May 19th 2015.

The 18-13-3-2 Vernon Vipers return from the Christmas break after having the past eleven days off. The Vipers last played December 17th in Trail are coming off a 3-2 victory over the Smoke Eaters. Tonight is the first of a home and home series with Salmon Arm as the two teams meet for a third time in twenty days. These two teams will meet for a final time January 13th in Vernon. The Vipers are 3-0-0-1 vs the Silverbacks this season are unbeaten in five games. Vernon has atleast a point in eight of their last ten games. Coming into tonight the Vipers have won five straight at home and six of their last seven home games. Vernon sits 2nd in the Division are six points up on West Kelowna & Trail but sixteen points back of Division leading Penticton.

The 15-18-2-1 Salmon Arm Silverbacks make their third of four regular season visits to Kal Tire Place. The Silverbacks return to action after having the past eleven days off for the Holidays. Salmon Arm hasn't played since a 5-2 victory over the visiting Penticton Vees December 17th. The Backs come into tonight having lost three of their last five and have five wins in their last ten games. The Silverbacks have atleast a point in six of their last seven games. The last time Salmon Arm was in Vernon the Backs lost 7-3 December 14th. The Silverbacks are 0-2 at Kal Tire Place this season. Salmon Arm's last win in Vernon was a 5-2 victory December 9th 2015. The Silverbacks have lost three of their last five games away from home. Salmon Arm sits last in the Interior Division are tied in points with Merritt are three points back of Trail & West Kelowna and eight points back of 2nd place Vernon.Salmon Arm Silverbacks Roster:

1990 & 1991 Vernon Lakers Inducted Into Okanagan Sports Hall Of Fame

The 1969-70 & 1971-72 Vernon Essos were inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in November 2014

1999 Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame

The 1999 Vernon Vipers were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame In July 2016

On December 2nd 2017 the Vernon Vipers honoured the 1956 Vernon Canadians and former Vernon Esso's legend Wayne Dye. The 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup banner along side Wayne Dye's #8 Legends banner were raised to the rafters at Kal Tire Place

Kal Tire Place-Home to the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 through the vision of Vernon resident and sports enthusiast, Nick Alexis. With the support of Vernon City Council, Alexis and a dedicated group of volunteers created a series of outdoor exhibits celebrating the region’s dynamic sporting history in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park. That same year, the new organization unveiled its first round of inductees to the Hall of Fame. Several years later, in 2001, the Hall of Fame moved its exhibits into the newly constructed Vernon Multiplex now known as Kal Tire Place.

About Me

I first created this blog in November of 2008. This coming season will be my ninth season doing this blog. I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and have been going to Junior Hockey games in Vernon since I was a young child. I purchased my first set of season tickets in 1990
I have had season tickets for the last 26 years, Since 1990 I have missed 42 home games.
In September of 2009 I missed my first home game since 2002-03 wich my streak of 236 straight Vipers home games came to an end. Ive missed just three Vipers home games since the 1998-1999 season.
I worked with the Vipers back in 2003-04 as colour comentator helping out with a few games over the internet. In 2011 I helped deisgn, create and put together the Vipers new website for the 2011-12 season. I ran and updated the Vipers website for five seasons, keeping all staff bios and pictures updated, adding new game photos, doing a game preview on game days, as well as adding any Vipers news, scores or BCHL news through out the season.
Over the years I have travelled to Victoria, Dauphin & Camrose to watch the Vipers in the RBC Cup. I was also at the 1990 Centennial Cup & 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon.